Baling Twine: What You Need to Know

Baling twine plays a crucial role in hay production, affecting both the efficiency of the process and the quality of the product. In this post, we will delve into the types of baling twine available, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Understanding Baling Twine

Baling twine is essential for binding hay into bales. The type of twine you use can significantly impact your baling experience. Traditionally, many farmers relied on biodegradable sisal twine, also known as Cecil twine, which is made from natural fibers and has been a staple in the agricultural community for years.

Biodegradable Sisal Twine

Sisal twine is known for its eco-friendliness. It is biodegradable, which means it breaks down over time, making it a popular choice among farmers who are conscious of their environmental footprint. This twine is made in Brazil and has a knot strength that typically ranges from 9,000 to 13,000 pounds. It worked effectively in various balers, including New Holland and John Deere models.

Challenges with Sisal Twine

However, as time went on, users began to notice inconsistencies with the 9,000 twine. Issues like breakage became prevalent, leading to interruptions during baling. Clearing out broken bales and re-threading the baler can take a significant amount of time, which is particularly frustrating when farmers are racing against the clock to finish bailing before the dew sets in.

Switching to Thicker Twine

To combat breakage, many turned to a thicker type of twine known as 7200 twine. The number indicates the length in feet of twine per bale, with 7200 twine being thicker than the 9000 version. The hope was that the increased diameter would reduce the chances of breakage.

The Reality of 7200 Twine

Despite the switch, farmers often found that the 7200 twine was even less reliable than the 9,000 twine. This led to further frustration and the realization that a change was necessary. In the pursuit of higher-quality hay, farmers began exploring plastic twine options.

The Move to Plastic Twine

Plastic twine has gained traction in the agricultural community for its durability and strength. Farmers who produce high-quality hay for horses often find that their customers prioritize the integrity of the bale over the twine's biodegradability.

Choosing the Right Plastic Twine

After extensive research, many farmers settled on a specific type of plastic twine known as 96 honey 210. This twine boasts a knot strength of 210 and a total length of 9,600 feet per bale. When compared to the 130 and 170 strength knot twines available, the difference in cost is often negligible, making the 210 strength twine an attractive option.

Benefits of 96 Honey 210 Twine

One of the standout features of this plastic twine is its reliability. With minimal breakage and a strong knot, farmers can focus on the baling process without the constant worry of interruptions. Many have reported going an entire season without experiencing any breakage, which is a game-changer for efficiency.

Considerations When Using Plastic Twine

While plastic twine presents many advantages, it also comes with considerations. Farmers need to be cautious about letting twine fall to the ground, as it can wrap around machinery. Additionally, having sharp knives on knotters is essential, as the toughness of the twine requires clean cuts for seamless operation.

Comparing Costs

Interestingly, plastic twine is often more cost-effective than traditional sisal twine. This financial benefit, combined with its superior performance, makes it a compelling choice for many farmers looking to optimize their hay production.

Conclusion

In the world of hay production, the type of baling twine you choose can make all the difference. While biodegradable sisal twine has its merits, the advent of stronger and more reliable plastic twine options has transformed the industry. Farmers are now able to produce higher-quality hay without the constant interruptions of breakage, ultimately leading to better products and happier customers.

As you consider your options for baling twine, weigh the pros and cons of each type. Whether you stick with traditional sisal or make the switch to plastic, the key is to find the twine that best suits your farming needs. Happy baling!

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